Going to do the Kokoda Track next year. Has anyone got any recommendations for hiking boots and where to get them? I hear Asolo and Scarpa are good but not sure where to go for the best prices.
Thanks
Recommend hiking boots?
LPeace Maker on 08/11/2012 - 10:09
Comments
I've done big hikes on the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu in a pair of Raichle hiking boots. They are not cheap, but since I find it fairly difficult to find shoes that fit correctly, they were worth it.
Before that I had a good go with a pair of Brahma leather boots that I bought in a Wall Mart in Washington for about $20!
my hiking boots which I took with me through to Everest base camp in significant comfort is a Keen Gypsum ox. On sale at one of the camping stores on hay st perth for $99, usually $229.
Such a good pair of shoes that I would buy again if they worn out.
A few good tips there. Thanks. I've found Globe Trekker in West End [QLD] have some good prices. Will have to shop around now for some more.
Believe it or not I've always liked GPs; rock solid & pretty much waterproof straight out of the Q-store…although perhaps I've just spent too much time & done far too many kms in them! ;)
That said, even though they've fallen from favour, Hi-Tec still have a few good boots in their range; the Altitude IV looks pretty swish.
Whatever you get, make sure you allow ample time to break them in first…
Thanks Stew. Who sells GP's? Is that short for something?
Yep, GP = General Purpose (combat) boots. You can get them from most Army surplus stores, prices vary considerably depending on the condition (used, seconds or new issue). I don't mind them as-is, but you can make them more comfortable by throwing in a good quality innersole! :)
Try not to get the 'Terra' boots though, IMHO they were crap, didn't tolerate moisture well at all & it was really hard to get good fittings. The good old GPs had heaps of sizes & widths for a perfect fit. If you find they're not for you though, the Australian Army has a list of approved non-standard issue boots for current ADF members…I would hope (googling will confirm) that to make the grade the boots would have to be pretty decent!
Wearing GPs will make the track experience a little more authentic too! ;)
P.S. Another hint for the track, carry at least a spare pair of clean, dry socks…sounds like a little thing, but a fresh pair of socks can give your feet a whole new lease on life on an extended march or manoeuvres!
Awesome. Thanks Stew.
+1 on extra socks, and if it's wet, give your feet (inc. socks and shoes!) every chance you can to dry out.
Having wet feet for days can cause more very uncomfortable foot problems. I recently spent 2 weeks at Cape York on a motorbike, with all the creek crossings my boots didn't get a chance to dry out, so even when I had dry socks and feet the next day they were still going into a wet boot - this led to sore, fragile, wrinkly feet!
Goretex is good for keeping water out (until it spills over top), but it seems to hinder how fast your shoe will dry.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the most important thing - Fit. (edit: my bad, someone did mention it.)
Make sure the shoes you buy fit properly, foot width and length - ask the people in Glove Trekker how it should feel. Fitment is far more important than brand!Good point. Makes buying online a brand/style you haven't tried on very risky.
Some people might find fitting easy. Us wide footers, have problems. Merrell are good for wide feet.
I've heard good things about Haix Airpower P3, but don't have them myself (yet). One crazy guy claims to have run the Stockholm marathon with them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u6X_8… (comments In Finnish only) And I don't really know whether you can get them in Australia at all.